Voters in rural areas of Welsh, Laccassine and Woodlawn will head to the polls Saturday to decide on tax renewal issues for drainage and fire protection.

There are no other elections slated in Southwest Louisiana.

Voters can cast in-person ballots from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday at their designated polling location in the parish.

Residents living south of Welsh, including Thornwell and Bayou Laccassine, are being asked to renew a 9.21 mill property tax for Gravity Drainage District 9. The tax is expected to generate $214,300 a year for maintenance, improvement and operation of gravity drainage works within the rural district.

The millage will also ensure the continuation of improvements to the fire safety and prevention program offered to school children and improved equipment including protective bunker gear.

Gravity Drainage District 9 currently has 738 registered voters, according to Registrar of Voters Joann Blair.

Voters in the Laccassine and Woodlawn area and those north of Welsh outside of the city limits are also being asked to renew a 3.59 property tax for Fire Protection District 3. The tax is expected to bring in $239,300 annually for maintenance, improvement and operation of the rural fire district, including facilities, equipment and cost of obtaining water.

The tax will be in addition to the 5.12 mills currently levied in the district for fire protection.

Fire Protection District 3 has 3,587 registered voters, according to Blair.

Both measures are for 10-year renewals and are covered by the state’s homestead exemption.

Sample ballots are available at the Registrar of Voters office or the GeauxVote app.

Anyone with questions can also contact the Registrar of Voters office at 337-824-0834.